Dirty John
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(AlthoughDirty Dandoes have a nice ring to it.
Im just saying.)
Most people are at least somewhat familiar with the Brodericks story.
When Dan finally found financial and career success, he left Betty for his much younger receptionist.
I wont spoil it beyond that, but suffice to say it does not end well.
Her lawyer picks her up for a meeting with her estranged husband Dan and immediately something is off.
This is happening, Betty, he tells her.
But Betty still thinks she has a chance at reconciling with her husband.
Bettys face is crestfallen when shes told he said nothing.
Dan calls 911 and has Betty put on a three-day psychiatric hold.
The judge also grants Dan primary custody of their four children.
I cant help someone who wont listen to me or cant, he tells her.
An ever-hopeful Betty reads meaning into every decision he makes.
He wont pay for her lawyer?
It must be because he, too, doesnt want a divorce.
He sends her and the children on a ski trip in Colorado?
It must be because he feels so terrible about what hes done and wants to reconcile.
Throughout No Fault, we get a few hints about Bettys past that seem to inform her behavior now.
We also get flashes of Bettys memories of what her life with Dan Broderick used to be like.
Do you smell carrots, she asks giggling.
To our surprise, Dan doesnt hang up, but laughs along with her.
They reminisce together about happier times and we get a glimpse of the rapport the pair once shared.
Its a glimpse into the source of Bettys rage as well.
Of course shes furious that this man is casting her aside after nearly 20 years of marriage.
People keep telling me to rise above it, move on from it, get over it.
I am it, she tells her friend.
Bettys tenuous grasp on reality is on full display in the episodes closing moments.
Of note, the names of Betty and Dans four children have all been changed in the series.
I feel like an entire thesis could be written comparing and contrasting the two highest-profile takes on the tragedy.
Andy Buckley, who plays Bettys exasperated lawyer, will always be David Wallace fromThe Officeto me.
